The Golden Pearl Hotel lobby was pristine marble floors, crystal chandeliers, the kind of quiet wealth that made Leo acutely aware of his worn jeans and scuffed sneakers.
He approached the front desk, voice steady despite the nerves coiling in his stomach. "I'm here to see someone in suite 1208."
The receptionist barely glanced at him. "Name?"
"Leo Michael."
She typed something, then nodded. "Elevators are to your left. Twelfth floor."
"Thank you."
The elevator ride felt endless, each floor ticking by with agonizing slowness.
Leo's mind raced.
Why does Mr. Kim want to see me?
Does he know about the photo? Does he think I leaked it?
Does he know about my relationship with alex?
The doors opened.
Suite 1208 was at the end of a long, quiet hallway.
Leo stood in front of it for a moment, steadying his breath, then knocked.
The door opened almost immediately.
Mr. Kim stood there impeccably dressed as always, expression calm and unreadable.
